Queen Elizabeth II wasn’t scared of loss of life — at the very least, so says the Archbishop of Canterbury.
After Buckingham Palace introduced on Thursday the Queen handed away “peacefully” at her beloved Balmoral Castle on the age of 96, Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby appeared again on his final assembly with the late monarch in an interview with BBC Radio 4’s Today present. He visited Queen Elizabeth at Windsor Castle in June in an effort to award her a particular Canterbury Cross, commemorating her service to the Church of England in her Platinum Jubilee 12 months. And throughout their final in-person encounter, Welby instructed the present he obtained the impression that Her Majesty didn’t “fear” the prospect of loss of life, saying on Friday:
“I came away thinking there is someone who has no fear of death, has hope in the future, knows the rock on which she stands, and that gives her strength.”
Related: Why Prince Harry Didn’t Travel To Balmoral Castle With The Royal Family
Touching on the way it felt to be within the close to the longest-reigning monarch in British historical past, he recalled:
“You felt that history was in front of you, but it was history with those piercingly blue eyes twinkling, that extraordinary smile, and the relishing of a quick, dry comment.”
Ever since Elizabeth ascended the throne in 1952, she served because the ceremonial head of the Church of England – which the title has now been handed over to her son and successor, King Charles III. Following her loss of life, the 73-year-old sovereign opened up concerning the loss of his mom in his first televised speech. He mentioned on the time:
“Throughout her life, Her Majesty The Queen – my beloved Mother – was an inspiration and example to me and to all my family, and we owe her the most heartfelt debt any family can owe to their mother. Queen Elizabeth was a life well lived; a promise with destiny kept and she is mourned most deeply in her passing. That promise of lifelong service I renew to you all today.”
He later added:
“To my darling Mama, as you begin your last great journey to join my dear late Papa, I want simply to say this: thank you. Thank you for your love and devotion to our family and to the family of nations you have served so diligently all these years. May ‘flights of angels sing thee to thy rest.’”
Such a good looking tribute…
Welby later provided his help for King Charles’ first handle as the brand new monarch, tweeting:
“Thank you, Your Majesty, for these words of comfort and hope for us all, spoken amidst such profound sorrow. We hold you and your family in our prayers. May you know God’s faithful love now and always.”
Thank you, Your Majesty, for these phrases of consolation and hope for us all, spoken amidst such profound sorrow. We maintain you and your loved ones in our prayers. May you recognize God’s trustworthy love now and all the time. https://t.co/52IdZmBePI
— Archbishop of Canterbury (@JustinWelby) September 9, 2022
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